Many citizens within Hastings, MN request that an amendment  to the existing animal keeping ordinance be made. The requested change, would be to allow ducks and quail to be kept alongside the permitted chickens (hens only). Along side this, would be a request to change the maximum number of hens from 4 to 6. By granting responsible individuals the opportunity to keep these animals as pets, we can promote a more inclusive and diverse community while respecting animal welfare.

In early Fall of 2021, up to 4 hens were permitted to be kept per household. Many residents have since participated in this, and few to no complaints have been made. This amendment has allowed individuals to source healthy, fresh eggs at a affordable cost. These individuals have also bonded as a community, participated in educational lectures taught by the University of MN, allowed children and adults to enjoy the companionship of their hens, and assist in the control of their outdoor pests, weeds and disposal of their kitchen scraps. 

1. Educational Opportunities:
   Ducks and quail offer unique educational opportunities for both children and adults alike. Allowing these animals as pets would enable families to teach their children about responsible pet ownership while fostering an appreciation for nature's diversity. Furthermore, schools could incorporate these animals into their curriculum, providing hands-on learning experiences that enhance students' understanding of biology and environmental sciences.
   
   2. Low Environmental Impact:
   Compared to other common household pets like dogs or cats, ducks and quail have minimal environmental impact due to their small size and specific needs. They require more/less space than traditional livestock while still providing companionship benefits similar to those experienced with more conventional pets.
   
   3. Responsible Ownership:
   By amending the current animal keeping ordinance in favor of allowing ducks and quail as pets, we acknowledge that responsible ownership is crucial for ensuring public safety and animal welfare standards are met at all times. We propose implementing guidelines regarding appropriate housing conditions (such as enclosures or coops), noise control measures (to address concerns about excessive noise), waste management protocols (to prevent odor issues), etc., which will ensure that owners maintain high standards of care for their pets.
   
   4. Successful Precedents:
   Several cities across the United States have already amended their animal keeping ordinances to include ducks and quail as permissible pets, with positive outcomes. These cities have experienced no significant increase in noise complaints or other issues related to these animals' presence. Examples of successful precedents can be found in Cottage Grove, Burnsville, Farmington, Inver Grove Heights, and many others where responsible ownership has been demonstrated without compromising public safety or animal welfare.
   
   We believe that by amending the current animal keeping ordinance to allow ducks and quail as pets, Hastings, MN can embrace a more inclusive and diverse community while promoting environmental stewardship and educational opportunities for its residents. We kindly request your support in making this change for the betterment of our city.
   
   Thank you for considering our petition.
   
   Find more information at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hastingsbackyardchickens
   
   Visit our previous petition regarding the keeping of chickens (hens):
   https://www.change.org/p/mayor-fasbender-allow-chickens-to-be-kept-within-the-city-of-hastings

I ASK THAT IF YOU SIGN, YOU BE A RESIDENT OF HASTINGS, MN. YOU MUST BE A RESIDENT OF HASTINGS, MN TO SIGN THE PETITION! Thank you!